All About the Chihuahua

cream colored chihuahua laying on white carpet. All About The Chihuahua

The chihuahua may be known as the smallest dog breed in the world, but you’ll want to leave plenty of space for their big personalities. This pint-sized pup is equal parts entertainment and sass, all wrapped up in an adorable package. Originally from Mexico, this tiny wonder has won the admiration of many all over the world with its sweet eyes and outgoing disposition.

If you’re looking for a pup with equal parts swagger and loyalty, the chihuahua might be for you.

Physical Characteristics

The first thing most notice about the chihuahua is undoubtedly its small stature. Weighing in at a mere 2-6 pounds, the chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Although some chihuahuas can grow to be slightly larger, 6 pounds is the cut off for pups who dream of life in the show ring. Their slender legs carry their bodies quickly and gracefully, and their coats can be long or short and a wide range of colors.

long haired chihuahua, sitting on a chair covered with grey cloth. All About The Chihuahua

Personality and Temperament

Truly a big dog trapped in a small dog’s body, the chihuahua has energy, confidence, and attitude to spare. Sometimes it seems that he doesn’t realize his size- or possibly, doesn’t care. The chihuahua is fiercely loyal to its “pack” and will challenge anyone or anything that it perceives as a threat. They tend to reserve their affection for their family and can be wary of strangers of any species. If not adequately socialized early in their life, they can become territorial and overly yappy.

Although they may not be overtly friendly toward strange dogs or people, they love their owners with abandon. They’re smart, eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement, making them highly trainable. It’s important to begin training the chihuahua early on, as they can develop bad habits that will be hard to break in adulthood. Chihuahua pups are smart enough to understand how to use their good looks and charm to their advantage and will do so at any opportunity!

black chihuahua being carried in a pink tote bag

Caring for a Chihuahua

The chihuahua’s miniature size demands that they are exclusively an indoor dog with supervised outdoor play sessions as desired. Chihuahuas are often able to meet their exercise requirements by burning off energy indoors, but also enjoy short walks on occasion. Although they’ll surely try to convince you otherwise, you should avoid giving your chihuahua table scraps and instead stick to a consistent diet of high-quality dog food. Due to their small frame, it can be easy for a chihuahua to become overweight, which can lead to a host of health concerns.

white chihuahua with brown ears, peaking out from under a blue and white blanket

If you’re looking for a miniature comedian, look no further than the Chihuahua! This tiny pup loves any opportunity to entertain and be adored by its loving fans.

Do you have a Chihuahua? Tell us all about it on our pet-lovin’ facebook page.

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